**Rules for Support Workers: A Guide to Staying Out of Trouble** ( Satire)

**A Quick Note Before You Dive In:**  

This post is meant in good humor, and we've drawn inspiration from Simon Whistler's hilarious *"Casual Criminalist"* series, particularly his *"Rules for Criminals."* One of his top rules is **“Don’t write down your crimes!”** Well, in the world of support work, we’re flipping that advice on its head. Here, **writing things down is your best friend** (seriously, document everything)!  

While this guide isn’t meant to be too serious, it's based on real events and hard-earned lessons from the field. So, have a laugh, learn a little, and remember – it’s all in good fun (but with a touch of truth!).  

**Rules for Support Workers**  

• *If it's not documented, it didn’t happen*  

• *Low support needs don’t mean **no** support needs*  

• *Low support needs clients can be your best resource*  

• *Low support needs clients can also be your worst enemy – they might be the first to report issues*  

• *Be careful what you say online – it could backfire!*  

• *The internet can be a tool for connection or distraction, depending on your client's needs*  

• *Water is your best friend when cleaning – embrace it*  

• *Favorites – you're going to have them, but don’t make it obvious*  

• *For clients with behaviors of concern, remember: you might be the trigger*  

• *Sometimes, behaviors of concern have nothing to do with you at all*  

• *It’s a people-oriented job, but it’s still a job at the end of the day*  

• *Coffee: think twice before giving it to clients (same goes for sugar!)*  

• *Diets exist for a reason – follow them*  

• *Food hygiene is non-negotiable. Stick to it*  

• *Use common sense – even though it sometimes feels rare*  

• *Don’t "buy a shift" by purchasing things for clients*  

• *If you're going to give something to a client, make sure they understand the implications (e.g., seeing a need, not “buying” their favor)*  

• *Lead by example in all your interactions*  

• *If there’s a policy for something, follow it when things go wrong*  

• *Follow procedures – they’re there to protect you*  

• *Remember: it’s your workplace, but it’s the client's home. Respect that*  

• *If you’re not comfortable with personal care, reconsider working in the NDIS*  

• *Don’t check something off a checklist if you haven’t done it – people will find out*  

• *Assume people have a camera or recording device in their pocket – because they probably do*  

• *Respect involved families – they can be your best allies or your worst nightmare*  

• *Company structures exist for a reason – follow the proper reporting channels for incidents*  

• *Know the difference between an incident and a near miss*  

• *Know your limits and don’t push past them – we need you to stay healthy*  

• *Gossip is never okay*  

• *Learn the difference between gossip and information sharing*  

• *If you need qualifications, plan your study time – don’t let it interfere with your work*  

• *Knowing the difference between challenging behavior and behaviour's of concern could save your life*  

• *Don’t hesitate to report behaviour's – it helps to establish patterns*  

• *You’re working with people, not numbers*  

• *If you don’t get along with a client, it’s okay to request a change*  

• *There’s a time and place for passive support and active support – know when to use each*  

• *False accusations happen – protect yourself by documenting everything*  

• *Medication is important. If you don’t know what it’s for, ask a pharmacist*  

• *When documenting, choose your words carefully – did they comply or follow directions? Remember, it’s a legal document*  

• *A joke is only a joke when **everyone** finds it funny – be mindful of your humour*  

• *Dress for the job you're doing – not for the beach or the nightclub. Think more “country club” or “sports mum”*